I have had the privilege of leading Bible studies, parenting classes, prayer journaling classes, and doing life with young women for over 40 years with the goal of encouraging them in their walk with Jesus.
In all these encounters, I have heard both men and women share their struggle with praying, and I have heard a host of reasons why through the years.
The Bible obviously has much to say about prayer. Lamentations 2:19 tells us: “Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord.” This verse reminds me that God is always there to listen, at any time, waiting for me to trust Him and pour out my heart to Him.
Romans 8:1-2 is filled with powerful words about the freedom we have in belonging to Jesus: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
And we certainly don’t need to fear being in God’s presence. Hebrews 4:16 tells us: “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Here are several insights the Holy Spirit has taught me through times of prayer and the study of Scripture that have been a big help to me, and I hope they will be to you.
• Just as you are available to be with a best friend, set aside a specific time each day for prayer — for connecting with the Father — to be still in His presence, letting Him speak to you as you pray and read His Word. Let these quiet moments become a steady source of peace, strength, and renewed hope for the day ahead.
• Choose a dedicated place to pray and allow that sacred space to remind you that God is always near and ready to meet with you.
• As you embark on experiencing the power of simple, consistent prayer, call on the Holy Spirit, trusting that He will guide your words, comfort your heart, and lead you to the Scriptures that will speak deeply to your heart that you can pray back to Him. Begin by acknowledging God’s greatness, faithfulness, and steadfastness — whatever attributes the Holy Spirit recalls.
• Pray with passion. Pour out your heart and be transparent, knowing that God welcomes your honesty and meets you with grace, mercy, and everlasting love. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in identifying areas in which you need to experience God at work. Begin by praying for a growing relationship with your Lord and Savior as you pray for a spouse, children, grandchildren, and boldness in sharing Christ with others.
• As you read Scripture, begin by asking yourself what it tells you about who God is. Thank Him for new insights and understanding of His Word in your life. Do not worry about how long you spend reading His Word and praying each day. Simply focus on what you are learning and how He desires for you to grow more in His likeness.
• Invite others to offer encouragement and accountability, so you can be strengthened by shared faith, wisdom, and support along the journey.
As you develop a lifestyle that includes time in God’s Word and prayer, you will experience the power of Scripture shaping your thoughts and strengthening your resolve to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). B&R